The drama serial Sar-e-Rah has caught much attention lately because of its fantastic story and format to highlight societal issues.
One of the most recent topics that the drama has brought to attention is the acceptance of trans individuals in society. In the latest episode, Muneeb Butt who plays a trans sits in Saba Qamar’s taxi while crying.
He tells her that his father has been admitted to the hospital and it’s an emergency. After they reach, Qamar and Butt start to have an emotional exchange in which he tells her that his stepmother and step-brother have not accepted him.
Moreover, we see that throughout the episode, the stepmother tries to humiliate him by making him dance and wear lipstick.
However, his father is very supportive of him and has always been there and tries to explain the concept of gender fluidity to his son when he is younger. The conversation between the father (Nabeel Zafar) and his son Sarang (Muneeb Butt), has won hearts for its sensitive approach towards representing transgenders and intersex people onscreen.
While many viewers supported and appreciated this while some pointed out that this goes against their religious beliefs. One such individual who lashed out at the drama serial Sar-e-Rah is designer Maria B.
Social Media Reactions to Sar-e-Rah Gender Fluidty Scene
Sar-e-rah is such a breath of fresh air in Pakistan's drama industry.
Loved this conversation between Nabeel and his son on his gender identity… pic.twitter.com/Mz5UYIqHAC
— Sam (@nofkssgiven) February 26, 2023
“I wasn’t expecting this but what an incredible message by Nabeel Zafar! He beautifully talked about gender differences to his son, something which should’ve been taught way before but we couldn’t because of extremist elements in the society,” wrote a user.
I wasn’t expecting this but what an INCREDIBLE message by Nabeel Zafar! 👏🏼 He beautifully talked about gender differences to his son, something which should’ve been taught WAY before but we couldn’t, all because of extremist elements in the society.pic.twitter.com/kKCRTopdGB
— Saad Kaiser 🇵🇸 (@TheSaadKaiser) February 27, 2023
The relationship between Sarang and his father is beautiful in Sar-e-Rah this week. This father is honest with his son, and loves and supports him – what every child needs– but particularly those struggling against society. Nabeel Zafar and Muneeb Butt are brilliant.” Writes Sophia Q.
The relationship between Sarang & his father is beautiful in #SarERah this week. This father is honest with his son, loves & supports him – what every child needs, but particularly those struggling against society. Nabeel Zafar & Muneeb Butt are brilliant. #PakistaniDramas pic.twitter.com/AAMKZ0WGWv
— SophiaQ (@SophiaAQ) February 26, 2023
Maria B Calls Out Sar-e-Rah
While everyone appreciated Sar-e-Rah for its empathic approach, designer Maria B had other thoughts. Taking to Instagram, she posted a screenshot of Nabeel and Muneeb and wrote:
“This is how you sell your soul… Well done, Pakistan. So, this kid is intersex? And instead of following sharia and getting corrective help to become male or female, his dad is telling him to be gender fluid, like transgenders. Now, will you wake up Pakistan? Is the agenda still not clear? Laanat on all the people who sold their souls and will contribute to the destruction of our kids.”
Some other individuals slightly agreed with Maria B about the concept of gender fluidity. On the other hand, a user pointed out that ‘The seemingly innocuous dialogues are very problematic considering the fact that gender cannot be self-determined, even for an intersex person. These dialogues are confusing and exploiting intersex (khansa) children, rather than supporting them.’ Wrote one user.
The seemingly innocuous dialogues are very problematic considering the fact that gender cannot be self-determined, even for an intersex person. These dialogues are confusing and exploiting intersex (khansa) children, rather than supporting them.
#SareRah pic.twitter.com/WxYM5GABtA
— ح – حفصہ (@HafsaaArshad1) February 28, 2023
Muneeb Butt Shares First Look as a Trans Asst. Commissioner for Upcoming Drama
Pakistanis Call Out Maria B for Transphobia
Users have called out the designer commenting that she is promoting transphobia in society.
Where is Maria B receiving funding from for her anti trans agenda? She dedicates so much time to it, I wonder who is funding her 🤔
She should answer these questions, the public needs to knowww.— shmyla (@apniISPdot) February 28, 2023
Funny how Maria B ke sarne se ab full on dil ko thand parhti he. A message of general kindness, empathy and acceptance …so of course she’s deeply offended by it. pic.twitter.com/9FkuyIEofo
— Maria Amir (@Beentherella) February 27, 2023
There is nothing I enjoy more than seeing a transphobe like Maria B getting trigerred. May our TV shows and films provide opportunities to see her meltdown more often 👏 pic.twitter.com/fkkEVUsFiV
— Syed Zain Raza (@SydZainRaza) February 27, 2023
What are your thoughts on this? Share them with us in the comments below.
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